Culture of Belonging

Empowering students with a culture of belonging

Sense of belonging is crucial to the wellbeing and success of girls

When adolescent girls have a sense of belonging at school, they are more likely to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. A recent study published by Pediatrics revealed that kids who feel strong family and school connectedness are 66% less likely to experience long-term health risks. Evidence suggests that social belonging is essential during adolescence — between ages 10 and 18. Belonging significantly impacts a young person’s general well-being and future success.

At Ursuline, you don't fit in, you belong."

- Savannah '27

At The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, students in grades 6 through 12 are active in a culture of belonging that traces back to the school's mission and values since its founding in 1897. “At Ursuline, you don’t fit in, you belong,” said freshman Savannah Minter. A sense of belonging and the resulting bonds of sisterhood are treasured hallmarks of an Ursuline education. “Here, we’re encouraged to explore our passions and just be ourselves,” said Olivia Luyando, a senior. The Ursuline School provides an all-girls community, where students feel accepted and valued as individuals. Students build self-confidence in and out of the classroom, and form solid relationships with classmates and teachers. Ursuline junior Corinne Ross is a great example.

During the Black History Month school-wide presentation, dance teacher Mrs. Jenne Griffith approached the podium to introduce Corinne, who performed an uplifting lyrical dance to the song “Angel.” As Mrs. Griffith explained, the song stresses the importance of being proud of yourself and realizing that "you are an angel made in God's image."

It made me feel valued — completely separate from a class or a club —
something strictly mine.

- Corinne '25

“I got the idea over the summer, and my friends and the people around me encouraged me to ask Mrs. Griffith if I could pursue it,” said Corinne. “We created the dance together. It made me feel valued — completely separate from a class or a club — something strictly mine. I knew I had people supporting me and that sense of community surrounding me, including my friends and my teachers.”

Corinne said she was nervous about dancing alone in front of the whole school, but the lyrics eased her nerves. "I felt confident,” she said. The standing ovation she received proved that confidence is infectious in the all-girls learning environment. “It meant a lot to me because I felt like I had moved people in a special way. It was a very moving experience for me as well.”

Corinne is not alone. Ursuline students across all grade levels develop bonds of sisterhood in the arts, athletics, and academics. They are more likely to advocate for themselves, take on leadership roles, and pursue their passions because they know they belong. Positive connections at school also help students manage when difficulties arise. For example, Savannah, a tennis player, was injured last fall during the NYSPHSAA Section One Doubles Championship. “It was really awful for me and my partner,” she said, describing her injury, surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. Still, Savannah, who serves as an active Student Ambassador, had a positive experience during her first year at Ursuline.

“Everyone at school was so supportive,” she said. Students she didn’t know very well offered to carry her books and help her along. “It just made me feel better, knowing that people here were looking out for me.”

Savannah reflected on her experiences off the court. “I love my classes,” she said. Religion, Accelerated Biology, and Spanish are among her favorites. “I’m also part of Black Essence Club and would love to continue with that and become part of club leadership when I’m older.” Having felt the support and encouragement of her peers and teachers, Savannah is taking on new challenges and looking forward to tennis season.

Senior lacrosse player Lauren Campbell can relate to Savannah’s experience. In her sophomore and junior years, she was also sidelined by an injury. “It was definitely a setback for me,” Lauren shared. Ursuline’s culture of belonging has helped her develop resilience in the face of challenges. “Ursuline really is a great place. I’ve had a lot of opportunities to challenge myself here through schoolwork, athletics, and even my faith.”

This school is full of spirit, focused on helping us develop our faith and empowering young girls like me to achieve our goals."

- Lauren '24

During senior year, Lauren was instrumental in developing retreats for younger students. “This school is full of spirit, focused on helping us develop our faith and empowering young girls like me to achieve our goals.”

The sense of belonging goes a long way toward creating an inclusive school culture where students feel accepted and valued. Senior Olivia Luyando, a student who enrolled in the eighth grade, loved Ursuline from the start. “When I first came here, I was a bit unsure,” she said. “At my old school, it felt like I had to be like others to fit in. But here, everyone was so friendly and kind. I immediately felt like I belonged.

At my old school, it felt like I had to be like others to fit in. But here, everyone was so friendly and kind. I immediately felt like I belonged."

- Olivia '24

At its heart, the culture of belonging at The Ursuline School is the foundation for success that connects generations of Ursuline girls. Today’s students thrive in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where educators and school leaders prioritize students and promote a positive, inclusive school community.